The Q-Max vessel “Mekaines”, RasGas Company Limited’s (RasGas) chartered liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, successfully berthed this week for the first time at Dahej LNG terminal in Gujarat, India,which is owned and operated by Petronet LNG Limited. This marks the arrivalof one of the world’s largest LNG carriers at Dahej LNG terminal which has been recently expanded to include a second LNG jetty and accommodate larger vessels.

“The safe berthing and unloading of the Q-Max vessel “Mekaines” at Dahej LNG Terminal is another significant milestone in our long-standing relationship with Petronet. As one of the main suppliers of LNG to India, RasGas stands ready to continue supporting Petronet in meeting India’s growing demand for cleaner energy in the form of LNG. The delivery of the fully loaded Q-Max cargo to Dahej demonstrates our flexible portfolio and commitment in meeting our long-standing customer’s needs,” said Khalid Sultan R. Al Kuwari, RasGas’ Chief Marketing and Shipping Officer.

India’s first and only active long-term LNG contract to date was signed between RasGas and Petronet in July 1999 for 7.5 million tonnes per year (MTA) for 25 years. RasGas’ first Q-max cargo to Dahej delivered around 261,000 cubic metresof LNG on this occasion. To date, RasGas has delivered over nine million tonnes to India this year. “We are glad to receive the first Q-Max LNG vessel one of the biggest size LNG ships available today, at Dahej Terminal and expect to receive more such cargoes in the future. Petronet also looks forward to further strengthening the time-proven and cordial bilateral trade relationship between Qatar and India,” said Dr. A K Balyan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Petronet LNG Limited.

The Q-Max is the largest LNG carrier class in the world. A typical Q-Max gas tanker is 345 m (1,132 ft) long, 53.8 m (177 ft) wide, and 52.3 m (170ft) in height, with a draught of 12 m (39 ft). The Q-Max has a cargo capacity of 266,000 cubic meters (9,400,000 cubic ft) of LNG, equal to 161,994,000 cubic metres of natural gas. The carrying capacity of Q-Max ship results in lower per unit transportation costs per journey compared to conventional LNG ships, giving Qatar a powerful competitive advantage.

RasGas’ integrated shipping fleet consists of 27 long term chartered LNG vessels. The fleet’s variety of 14 conventional ships, 12 Q-Flex tankers and one Q-Max vessel enhances RasGas' flexibility to meet global demand. Petronet LNG Limited currently operates the Dahej and Kochi LNG terminals on India’s west and south coasts each with a capacity of 10 MTA and fiveMTA respectively. Petronet meets approximately 30 per cent of the country’s gas demand.